A GOLF BALL HAVING A TUBULAR LATTICE PATTERN

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerodynamic surface pattern for a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf ball having the features of the preamble of claims 1.

[0002] Golfers realized perhaps as early as the 1800's that golf balls with indented surfaces flew better than those with smooth surfaces. Hand-hammered gutta-percha golf balls could be purchased at least by the 1860's, and golf balls with brambles (bumps rather than dents) were in style from the late 1800's to 1908. In 1908, an Englishman, William Taylor, received a British patent for a golf ball with indentations (dimples) that flew better ad more accurately than golf balls with brambles. A.G. Spalding & Bros., purchased the U.S. rights to the patent (embodied possibly in U.S. Patent Number 1,286,834 issued in 1918) and introduced the GLORY ball featuring the TAYLOR dimples. Until the 1970s, the GLORY ball, and most other golf balls with dimples had 336 dimples of the same size using the same pattern, the ATTI pattern-The ATTI pattern was an octohedron pattern, split into eight concentric straight line rows, which was named after the main producer of molds for golf balls.

[0003] The only innovation related to the surface of a golf ball during this sixty year period came from Albert Penfold who invented a mesh-pattern golf ball for Dunlop. This pattern was invented in 1912 and was accepted until the 1930's. A combination of a mesh pattern and dimples is disclosed in Young, U.S. Patent Number 2,002,726, for a Golf Ball, which issued in 1935.

[0004] The traditional golf ball, as readily accepted by the consuming public, is spherical with a plurality of dimples, with each dimple having a circular cross-section. Many golf balls have been disclosed that break with this tradition, however, for the most part these non-traditional golf balls have been commercially unsuccessful.

[0005] Most of these non-traditional golf balls still attempt to adhere to the Rules Of Golf as set forth by the United States Golf Association ("USGA") and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Saint Andrews ("R&A"). As set forth in Appendix III of the Rules of Golf, the weight of the ball shall not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93 gm), the diameter of the ball shall be not less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm) which is satisfied if, under its own weight, a ball falls through a 42,67 mm (1.680 inches) diameter ring gauge in fewer than 25 out of 100 randomly selected positions, the test being carried out at a temperature of 23±1 °C, and the ball must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally modified to have properties which differ from those of a spherically symmetrical ball.

[0006] One example is Shimosaka et al., U.S. Patent Number 5,916,044, for a Golf Ball that discloses the use of protrusions to meet the 1.68 inch (42.67mm) diameter limitation of the USGA and R&A. The Shimosaka patent discloses a golf ball with a plurality of dimples on the surface a few rows of protrusions that have a height of 0.001 to 1.0 mm from the surface. Thus, the diameter of the surface is less than 42.67mm.

[0007] Another example of a non-traditional golf ball is Puckett et al., U.S. Patent Number 4,836,552 for a Short Distance Golf Ball, which discloses a golf ball having brambles instead of dimples in order to reduce the flight distance to half of that of a traditional golf ball in order to play on short distance courses.

[0008] Another example of a non-traditional golf ball is Pocklington, U.S. Patent Number 5,536,013 for a Golf Ball, which discloses a golf ball having raised portions within each dimple, and also discloses dimples of varying geometric shapes such as squares, diamonds and pentagons. The raised portions in each of the dimples of Pocklington assists in controlling the overall volume of the dimples.

[0009] Another example is Kobayashi, U.S. Patent Number 4,787,638 for a Golf Ball, which discloses a golf ball having dimples with indentations within each of the dimples. The indentations in the dimples of Kobayashi are to reduce the air pressure drag at low speeds in order to increase the distance.

[0010] Yet another example is Treadwell, U.S. Patent Number 4,266,773 for a Golf Ball, which discloses a golf ball having rough bands and smooth bands on its surface in order to trip the boundary layer of air flow during flight of the golf ball.

[0011] Aoyama, U.S. Patent Number 4,830,378, for a Golf Ball With Uniform Land Configuration, discloses a golf ball with dimples that have triangular shapes. The total flat land area of Aoyama is no greater than 20% of the surface of the golf ball, and the flat land area of Aoyama is no greater than 20% of the surface of the golf ball, and the objective of the patent is to optimize the uniform land configuration and not the dimples.

[0012] Another variation in the shape of the dimples is set forth in Steifel, U.S.Patent Number 5,890,975 for a Golf Ball And Method Of Forming Dimples Thereon. Some of the dimples of Steifel are elongated to have an elliptical cross-section instead of a circular cross-section. The elongated dimples make it possible to increase the surface coverage area. A design patent to Steifel, U.S. Patent Number 406,623, has all elongated dimples.

[0013] A variation on this theme is set forth in Moriyama et al., U.S. Patent Number 5,722,903, for a Golf Ball, which discloses a golf ball with traditional dimples and oval shaped dimples.

[0014] A further example of a non-traditional golf ball is set forth in Shaw et al., U.S. Patent Number 4,722,529, for Golf Balls, which discloses a golf ball with dimples and 30 bald patches in the shape of a dumbbell for improvements in aerodynamics.

[0015] Another example of a non-traditional golf ball is Cadorniga, U.S. Patent Number 5,470,076, for a Golf Ball, which discloses each of a plurality of dimples having an additional recess. It is believed that the major and minor recess dimples of Cadorniga create a smaller wake of air during flight of a golf ball.

[0016] Oka et al., U.S. Patent 5,143,377, for a Golf Ball, discloses circular and non-circular dimples. The non-circular dimples are square, regular octagonal, regular hexagonal and amount to at least forty percent of the 332 dimples on the golf ball of Oka. These non-circular dimples of Oka have a double slope that sweeps air away from the periphery in order to make the air turbulent.

[0017] Machin, U.S. Patent Number 5,377,989. for Golf Balls With Isodiametrical Dimples, discloses a golf ball having dimples with an odd number of curved sides and arcuate apices to reduce the drag on the golf ball during Night.

[0018] Lavallee et al, U.S. Patent Number 5,356,150, discloses a golf ball having overlapping elongated dimples to obtain maximum dimple coverage on be surface of the golf ball.

[0019] Oka et al., U.S. Patent Number 5,338,039, discloses a golf ball having at least forty percent of its dimples with a polygonal shape. The shapes of the Oka golf ball are pentagonal, hexagonal and octagonal.

[0020] Although the prior an has set forth numerous variations for the surface of a golf ball, there remains a need for a golf ball having a surface that minimizes the volume needed ro trip the boundary layer of air at low speed while providing a low drag level at high speeds.

[0021] The golf ball of the present invention is characterized by the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1.

[0022] The present invention is able to provide a golf ball that meets the USGA requirements, and provides a minimum land area to trip the boundary layer of air surrounding a golf ball during flight in order to create the necessary turbulence for greater distance. The present invention is able to accomplish this by providing a golf ball with an outersphere defined by a lattice stucture and an innersphere as claimed in claim 1.

[0023] One aspect of the present invention is a golf ball with an innersphere having a surface and a plurality of lattice members that define an outersphere. Each of the lattice members has a cross-sectional contour with an apex at the greatest extent from the center of the golf ball which defines the outersphere. The plurality of lattice members are connected to each other to form a predetermined pattern on the golf ball.

[0024] The plurality of lattice members on the golf ball may cover between 20% to 80% of the golf ball. The apex of each of the plurality of lattice members has a width less than 2.5x10^-6 cm (0.00001 inch) resulting in a minimal land area for the outersphere The diameter of the innenrphere may be at least 4.24 cm (1.67 inches) and the apex of each of the plurality of lattice members may have a distance of at least 0.0127 cm (0.005 cm) from the bottom of the lattice member resulting in a diameter of the outerspheic of at least 4.27 cm (1.68 inches). The golf ball may also include a plurality of smooth portions on the innersphere surface wherein the plurality of smooth portions and the plurality of lattice members cover the entire golf ball.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] 

FIG. 1 is an equatorial view of a golf ball of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a polar view of the golf ball of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlargement of a section of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlargement ofa sect!oti of FIG. 3

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the surface of the golf ball of the present invention illustrating an outersphere, also referred to as a phantom sphere.

FIG. 5 and 6 and cross-sectional views of lattice members of the golf balls not according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of FIG. 6 to illustrate the width of the apex of each of the lattice members.

FIG. 7 is au isolated cross-sectional view of one embodiment of lattice members of the golf ball of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of lattice members of the golf ball of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a from view of the preferred embodiment of the golf ball of the present invention illustrating the alternating parting line.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the golf ball of FIG. 9.

FIG. 9B is a polar view of the golf ball of FIG. 9.

FIG. 9C is an identical view of FIG. 9 illustrating the pentagonal grouping of hexagons.

FIG. 10 is a graph of the Lift coefficient versus Reynolds number for traditional golf balls.

FIG. 11 is graph of the drag coefficient versus Reynolds number for traditional golf balls.

FIG. 12 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds number for the golf ball of the present invention for four different backspins.

FIG. 13 is graph of the drag coefficient versus Reynolds number for the golf ball of the present invention for four different backspins.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the surface of a golf ball of the present invention to demonstrate the minimal volume feature of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the surface of a golf ball of the prior art for comparison to the minimal volume feature of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a chart of the minimal volume.

Best Mode(s) For Carrying Out The Invention

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a golf ball is generally designated 20. The golf ball may be a two-piece, a three piece golf ball, or a multiple layer golf ball. Further, the three-piece golf ball may have a wound layer, or a solid boundary layer. Additionally, the core of the golf ball 20 may be solid, hollow or filled with a fluid such as a gas or liquid. The cover of the golf ball 20 may be any suitable material. A preferred cover is composed of a thermosetting polyurethane material. However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other cover materials may be utilized. The golf ball 20 may have a finish of a basecoat and/or top coat.

[0027] The golf ball 20 has innersphere 21 with an innersphere surface 22. The golf ball 20 also has an equator 24 dividing the golf ball 20 into a first hemisphere 26 and a second hemisphere 28. A first pole 30 is located ninety degrees along a longitudinal arc from the equator 24 in the first hemisphere 26. A second pole 32 is located ninety degrees along a longitudinal arc from the equator 24 in the second hemisphere 28.

[0028] Descending toward the surface 22 of the innersphere 21 are a plurality of lattice members 40. In a preferred embodiment, the lattice members 40 are tubular. However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the lattice members 40 may have other similar shapes. The lattice members are connected to each other to form a lattice structure 42 on the golf ball 20. The interconnected lattice members 40 form a plurality of polygons encompassing discrete areas of the surface 22 of the innersphere 21. Most of these discrete bounded areas 44 are hexagonal shaped bounded areas 44a, with a few pentagonal shaped bounded areas 44b, a few octagonal shaped bounded areas 44c, and a few quadragonal shaped bounded areas 44d. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, there are 380 polygons. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of lattice members 40 are connected to at least another lattice member 40. Each of the lattice members 40 meet at least two other lattice members 40 at a vertex 46. Most of the vertices 46 are the congruence of three lattice members 40. However, some vertices 46a are the congruence of four lattice members 40. These vertices 46a are located at the equator 24 of the golf ball 20. The length of each of the lattice members 40 ranges from 0.0127cm to 0.0254 cm (0.005 inch to 0.01 inch) thereby defining an outersphere of at least 4.27 cm (1.68 inches)

[0029] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has reduced the land area of the resulting golf ball to almost zero since only a line of each of the plurality of lattice members 40 is in a spherical plane at 4.27 cm (1.68 inches), the outersphere. More specifically, the land area of traditional golf balls is The area forming a sphere of at least 4.27 cm (1.68 inches) for USGA and R&A conforming golf balls. This land area is traditionally minimized with dimples that are concave into the surface of the sphere of the traditional golf ball, resulting in land area on a non-dimpled surface of the golf ball. However, the golf ball 20 of the present invention has only a line at an apex 50 of each of the lattice members 40 that defines the land area of the outersphere of the golf ball 20.

[0030] Traditional golf balls were designed to have the dimples "trip" the boundary layer on the surface of a golf ball in flight to create a turbulent flow for greater lift and reduced drag. The golf ball 20 of the present invention has the lattice structure 42 to trip the boundary layer of air about the surface of the golf ball 20 in flight.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4A, 1.68 inches outersphere, as shown by dashed line 45, encompasses the lattice members 40 and the innersphere 21. The volume of the lattice structure 42 as measured from the bottom of each lattice member to the apex 50 is a minimal amount of the volume between the 4.27 cm (1.68 inches) outersphere and the innersphere 21. In the preferred embodiment, the apex 50 lies on the 4.27 cm (1.68 inches) outersphere. Thus, over 90 percent, and closer to 95 percent, of the entire volume of the golf ball 20 lies below the 4.27 cm (1.68 inches) outersphere.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the distance h and h' of the lattice members 40 from the bottom of each lattice member 40 to an apex 50 will vary in order to have the golf ball 20 meet or exceed the 4.27 cm (1.68 inches) requirement, For example, if the diameter of the innersphere 21 is 4.23 cm (1.666 inches), then the distance h of the lattice members 40 in FIG. 5 is 0.178 cm (0.007 inch) since the lattice member 40 on one hemisphere 26 is combined with a conesponding projection 40 on the second hemisphere 28 to reach the 4.27 cm (1.68 inches) diameter requirement for the outersphere. In a preferred embodiment, if lattice members 40 having a greater distance h' are desired, such as in FIG.6, then the innersphere 21 has a lesser diameter. Thus, the diameter of the umersphere 21 in FIG. 6 is 4.22 cm (1.662 in) while the distance h' of the lattice members 40 are 0.023 cm (0.009 inch) thereby resulting in an outersphere with a diameter of 4.27 cm (1.68 inches). As shown in FIG. 6A, the width of each of the apices 50 is minimal since the apex lies along an arc of a lattice member 40. In theory, the width of each apex 50 should approach the width of a line. In practice, the width of each apex 50 of each lattice member 40 is determined by the precision of the mold utilized to produce the golf ball 20. The precision of the mold is itself determined by the master used to form the mold. In the practice, the width of each apex 50 ranges from 2.54x10^-4 cm to 2.54x10^-3 cm (0.0001 inch to 0.001 inch)

[0033] Although the cross-section of the lattice members 40 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are circular, a preferred cross-section of each of the plurality of lattice members 40 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In such a preferred cross-section, the lattice member 40 has a contour 52 that has a first concave section 54, a convex section 56 and a second concave section 58. The radius R₂ of the convex portion 56 of each of the lattice members 40 is preferably in the range of 6.99x10^-2 to 0.87x10^-2 cm (0.0275 inch to 0.0350 inch) The radius R, of the first and second concave portions 54 and 58 is preferably in the range of 0.381 cm to 0.508 cm (0.150 inch to 0.200 inch), and most preferable 0.45 cm (0.175 inch), WcN, R_ball is the radius of the innersphere which is preferably 2.11 cm (0.831 inch), R_∞ is the radius of the outersphere, which is preferable 4.27 cm (1.68 inches),

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C. In this embodiment, the golf ball 20 has a parting line 100 that corresponds to the shape of polygon defined by the plurality of lattice members 40 about the equator 24. Thus, if the polygons have a hexagonal shape, the paning line 100 will alternate along the lower half of one hexagon and the upper half of an adjacent hexagon. Such a golf ball 20 is fabricated using a mold such as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Parent Application Number 09/442,845, filed on November 18, 1999, entitled Mold For A Golf Ball. The preferred embodiment allows for greater uniformity in the polygons. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C, there are 332 polygons, with 12 of those polygons being pentagons and the rest being hexagons.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9, each hemisphere 26 and 28 has two rows of hexagons 70, 72, 74 and 76, adjacent the parting line 100. The pole 30 of the first hemisphere 26 is encompassed by a pentagon 44b, as shown in FIG- 98. The pentagon 44b at the pole 30 is encompassed by ever increasing spherical pentagonal groups of hexagons 80, 82, 84, 86, and 88. A pentagonal group 90 has pentagons 44b at each respective base, with hexagons 44a therebetween. The pentagonal groups 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 transform into the four adjacent rows 70, 72, 74 and 76. The preferred embodiment only has hexagons 44a and pentagons 44b.

[0036] FIGS. 10 and illustrate the lift and drag of traditional golf balls at a backspin of 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm, respectively. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the lift and drag of the present invention at four different backspins. The force acting on a golf ball in flight is calculated by the following trajectory equation:


wherein F is the force acting on the golf ball; F_L is the lift; F_D is the drag; and G is gravity. The lift and the drag in equation A are calculated by the following equations:




wherein C_L is the lift coefficient; C_D is the drag coefficient; A is the maximum cross-sectional area of the golf ball; ρ is the density of the air; and v is the golf ball airspeed.

[0037] The drag coefficient, C_D, and the lift coefficient, C_L, may be calculated using the following equations:

[0038] The Reynolds number R is a dimensionless parameter that quantifies the ratio of inertial to viscous forces acting on an object moving in a fluid. Turbulent flow for a dimpled golf ball occurs when R is greater than 40000. If R is less than 40000. the flow may be laminar. The turbulent flow of air about a dimpled golf ball in flight allows it to travel farther than a smooth golf ball.

[0039] The Reynolds number R is calculated from the following equation:


wherein ν is the average velocity of the golf ball ; D is the diameter of the golf ball (usually 4.27 cm) (1.68 inches)); ρ is the density 003of air (1.227 kg/m³) (0.00238 slugs/ft²) at standard atmospheric conditions); and µ is the absolute viscosity of air (1.826 kg s/m² (74 x 10^-7 lb^-sec/fr²) at standard atmospheric conditions). A Reynolds number, R, of 180,000 for a golf ball having a USGA approved diameter of 4.27 cm (1-68 inches), at standard, atmospheric conditions, approximately corresponds to a golf ball hit from the tee at 6 m/s (200 ft/s or 136 mph), which is the point in time during the flight of a golf ball when the golf ball attains its highest speed. A Reynolds number, R, of 70,000 for a golf ball having a USGA approved diameter 4.27 cm (1.68 inches), at standard atmospheric conditions, appproximately corresponds to a golf ball at its apex in its flight 266 m/s (78 ft/s or 53 mph), which is the point in time during the flip of the golf ball when it travels at its slowest speed. Gravity will increase the speed of a golf ball after its reaches its apex.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates the lift coefficient of traditional golf balls such as the Titlelist TOUR PRESTIGE, the Maxfli REVOLUTION and the Maxfli HT URETHANE- FIG. 11 illustrates the drag coefficient of traditional golf balls such as the Titlelist TOUR PRESTIGE, the Maxfli REVOLUTION and the Maxfli HT URETHANE.

[0041] All of the golf balls for the comparison test, including the golf ball 20 of the present invention, have a thermoset polyurethane cover. The golf ball 20 of the present invention was constructed as set forth in U.S. Patent Number 6,117,024, filed an fuly 27, 1999, for a Gulf Ball with A Polyurethane Cover. However, those skilled in the pertinent an will recognize that other materials may be used in the construction of the golf ball of the present invention. The aerodynamics of the lattice structure 42 of the present invention provides a greater lift with a reduced drag whereby translating into a golf ball 20 that travels a greater distance than traditional golf balls of similar constructions.

[0042] As compared to traditional golf balls, the golf ball 20 of the present invention is the only one that combines a lower drag coefficient at high speeds, and a greater lift coefficient at low speeds. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, none of the other golf balls has a lift coefficient. C_L. greater than 0.18 at a Reynolds number of 70,000, and a drag coefficient C_D less than 0.23 at a Reynolds number of 180,000- For example, while the Tidtest PROFESSIONAL has a C_L greater than 0.18 at a Reynolds munber of 70,000. its C_D is greater than 0-23 at a Reynolds number of 180,000. Also, while the Maxfli REVOLUTION bas a drag coefficieni C_D greater than 0.23 at a Reynolds number of 130,000, its C_L is less than 0-18 at a Reynolds number of 70,000.

[0043] In this regard, the Rules of Golf approved by the USGA and The R&A, limits the initial velocity of a golf ball to 76.2 m/s (250 feet per second (a two percent maximum tolerance allows for an initial velocity of 77.7 m/s (255 feet per second)) and the overall distance to 2.56 m (280 yards) plus a six percent tolerance for a total distance of 2.7x10⁴ cm (296.8 yards) (the six percent tolerance may be lowered to four percent). A complete description of the Rules of Golf are available on the USGA web page at www.usga.org or at the R&A web page at www.rarda.org. Thus, the initial velocity and overall distance of a golf ball must not exceed these limits in order to conform to the Rules of Golf. Therefore, the golf ball 20 should have a dimple pattern that enables the golf ball 20 to meet, yet not exceed, these limits.

[0044] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the surface of the golf ball 20 of the present invention to demonstrate the minimal volume of the golf ball 20 from a predetermined distance from the greatest extent of the golf ball 20 the outersphere. More specifically, the greatest extent of one embodiment of the golf ball 20 are the apices 50 of the lattice members 40 which lie on a spherical plane (shown as dashed line 45) which has a 4.27 cm (1.682 inches diameter), the outersphere. Those skilled in the art should recognize that other embodiments could have the apices 50 lie on a spherical plane at 4.32 cm, 4.37 cm, 4.17 cm, 4.06 cm (1.70 inches, 1.72 inches, 1.64 inches, 1.60 inches), or any other variation in the diameter of the greatest extent of the golf ball 20. Having defined the greatest extent of the golf ball 20, the present invention will have a minimal volume from this greatest extent toward the innersphere 22. For example, dashed line 130 represents a spherical plane that intersects each of the lattice members 40 at a distance of 5.1x10^-3 cm (0.002 inch) (at a radius of 2.13 cm (0.839 inch) from the center) from the greatest extent of the golf ball 20. The volume of the golf ball 20 of the present invention between the greatest extent spherical plane 45 and the spherical plane 130 is only 0.01333 cm³ (0.0008134 cubic inch). In other words, the outermost 5.1x10^-3 cm (0.002 inch) (between a radius of 2.14 and 2.13 cm (0.841 and 0.839 inch)) of the golf ball 20 has a volume 0.01333 cm³ (0.00008134 cubic inch),

[0045] FIG. 15 illustrates the surface of a golf ball 140 of the prior art which has additional dimples 142 encompassed by a land area 144. The land area 144 represents the greatest extent of the golf ball 140 of the prior art. For comparison to the golf ball 20 of the present invention, the volume of the golf ball 140 of the prior an between the greatest extent 144 and a spherical plane 130' is 0.035 ml (0.00213 cubic inch). Spherical planes 132,134 and 136, at 0.012 cm, 0.015 cm and 0.020 cm (0.004 inch, 0.006 inch and 0.008 inch) respectively, have volumes of 0.0378 ml, 0.06909 ml and 0.107178 ml (0.0023074 cubic inch, 0.0042164 cubic inch and 0.0065404 cubic inch), respectively on the golf ball 20 of the present invention. Spherical planes 132', 134'-and 136, at 0.012 cm, 0.015 cm and 0.020 cm (0.004 inches, 0.006 inch and 0.008 inch) respectively, will have volumes of 0.081607 ml, 0.137815 ml and 0.20287 ml (0.00498 cubic inch, 0.00841 cubic inch and 0.01238 cubic inch) on the golf ball 140 of the prior art 140.

[0046] Thus, as funher shown in FIG. 16 and Table One below, the golf ball 20 of the present invention will have a minimal volume at a predetermined distance from the greatest extent of the golf ball 20. This minimal volume is a minimal amount necessary to trip the boundary layer air at low speed while providing a low drag level at high speeds. The first column of Table One is the distance from the outermost point of the golf ball 20, which is the apex 50 of each of the lattice manbers 40. The second column is the individual volume of each of the 830 lattice members 40 at this distance inward from the outermost point. The third column is the total volume of the spherical planes at each distance inward from the outermost point. Table Two contains similar information for the golf ball 140 of the prior art.

Claims

1. A golf ball (20) having an innersphere (21) with a surface (22), the innersphere having a diameter ranging from 4.06 centimeters (1.60 in) to 4.32 centimeters (1.70 in), the golf ball characterized in that
a plurality of interconnected lattice members (40) extend from the surface (22) of the innerspshere (21), each of the plurality of interconnected lattice members (40) having a first concave portion (54), which transitions into a convex portion (56) which then transitions into a second concave portion (58), the convex portion (56) having an apex (50) which extends from a bottom of the lattice member (40) a distance ranging from 0.0127 centimeters (0.005 in) to 0.0254 centimeters (0.010 in) wherein the apex (50) of each of the plurality of interconnected lattice member (40) is the farthest extent of the golf ball (20)

2. The golf ball (20) according to claim 1 wherein the first concave portion (54) and the second concave portion (58) each have a radius of curvature ranging from 0 38 centimeters to 0.51 centimeters (0.150 in to 0.200 in), and the convex portion (56) has a radius of curvature ranging from 0.07 centimeters to 0.09 centimeters (0.0275 in to 0.0350) in).

3. The golf ball (20) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the golf ball (20) has a cover composed of a thermoset polyurethane material.

4. The golf ball (20) according to any of the claims wherein the volume of the outermost 0 005 centimeters (0.002 in) of the golf ball (20) is less than 0.01333 cubic centimeters (0 0008134 in³).

5. The golf ball (20) according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the volume of the outermost 0.0102 centimeters (0.004 in) of the golf ball (20) is less than 0.03781 cubic centimeters (0 0023074 in³)

6. The golf ball (20) according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the volume of the outermost 0 0152 centimeters (0.006 in) of the golf ball (20) is less than 0.06909 cubic centimeters (0.0042164 in³).

7. The golf ball (20) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the golf ball (20) is a three-piece golf ball having a solid core, a hollow core or a fluid core.

8. The golf ball (20) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the golf ball (20) has a lift coefficient greater than 0 18 at a Reynolds number of 70,000 and 2000 rotations per minute, and a drag coefficient less than 0.23 at a Reynolds number of 180,000 and 3000 rotations per minute.

9. The golf ball (20) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of interconnected lattice members (40) form a plurality of polygons on the golf ball (20).

10. The golf ball (20) according to any of The preceding claims wherein a surface of the golf ball (20) is defined entirely by the plurality of interconnected lattice members (40) and the surface (22) of the innersphere (21).

Ansprüche

1. Golfball (20), der eine innere Kugel (21) mit einer Oberfläche (22) hat, wobei die innere Kugel (21) einen Durchmesser hat, der von 4,06 Zentimeter (1,60 Inch) bis 4,32 Zentimeter (1,70 Inch) reicht, wobei der Golfball dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass sich eine Mehrzahl miteinander verbundener Gitterelemente (40) von der Oberfläche (22) der inneren Kugel (21) erstrecken, wobei jedes der Mehrzahl miteinander verbundener Gitterelemente (40) einen ersten konkaven Abschnitt (54) hat, welcher in einen konvexen Abschnitt (56) übergeht, welcher dann in einen zweiten konkaven Abschnitt (58) übergeht, wobei der konvexe Abschnitt (56) einen Scheitel (50) hat, welcher sich vom unteren Ende des Gitterelements (40) um eine Distanz von 0,0127 Zentimetern (0,005 Inch) bis 0,0254 Zentimetern (0,010 Inch) erstreckt, wobei der Scheitel (50) jedes der Mehrzahl miteinander verbundener Gitterelemente (40) die größte Erstreckung des Golfballs (20) ist.

2. Golfball (20) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der erste konkave Abschnitt (54) und der zweite konkave Abschnitt (58) jeweils einen Krümmungsradius haben, der von 0,38 Zentimeter bis 0,51 Zentimeter (0,150 Inch bis 0,200 Inch) reicht, und wobei der konvexe Abschnitt (56) einen Krümmungsradius hat, der von 0,07 Zentimeter bis 0,09 Zentimeter (0,0275 Inch bis 0,0350 Inch) reicht.

3. Golfball (20) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Golfball (20) eine Hülle hat, die aus einem wärmegehärteten Polyurethan-Material besteht.

4. Golfball (20) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Volumen der äußersten 0,005 Zentimeter (0,002 Inch) des Golfballs (20) kleiner als 0,01333 Kubikzentimeter (0,0008134 Inch³) ist.

5. Golfball (20) gemäß Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei das Volumen der äußersten 0,0102 Zentimeter (0,004 Inch) des Golfballs (20) kleiner als 0,03781 Kubikzentimeter (0,0023074 Inch³) ist.

6. Golfball (20) gemäß Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei das Volumen der äußersten 0,0152 Zentimeter (0,006 Inch) des Golfballs (20) kleiner als 0,06909 Kubikzentimeter (0,0042164 Inch³) ist.

7. Golfball (20) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Golfball (20) ein dreiteiliger Golfball ist, der einen massiven Kern, einen hohlen Kern oder einen fluiden Kern hat.

8. Golfball (20) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Golfball (20) einen Auftriebsbeiwert größer als 0,18 bei einer Reynolds-Zahl von 70000 und 2000 Rotationen pro Minute und einen Widerstandsbeiwert kleiner als 0,23 bei einer Reynolds-Zahl von 180000 und 3000 Rotationen pro Minute hat.

9. Golfball (20) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Mehrzahl miteinander verbundener Gitterelemente (40) eine Mehrzahl von Polygonen auf dem Golfball ausbilden.

10. Golfball (20) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Oberfläche des Golfballs (20) von der Mehrzahl miteinander verbundener Gitterelemente (40) und von der Oberfläche (22) der inneren Kugel (21) vollständig definiert ist.

Revendications

1. Balle de golf (20) comprenant une sphère interne (21) munie d'une surface (22), la sphère interne ayant un diamètre compris entre 4,06 centimètres (1,60 pouces) et 4,32 centimètres (1,70 pouces), la balle de golf étant caractérisée en ce que
une pluralité d'éléments interconnectés en treillis (40) s'étend depuis la surface (22) de la sphère interne (21), chacun de la pluralité des éléments interconnectés en treillis (40) ayant une première partie concave (54) qui passe par une partie convexe (56) qui se transforme ensuite en une seconde partie concave (58), la partie convexe (56) ayant un sommet (50) qui s'étend depuis un fond de l'élément en treillis (40) sur une distance de 0,0127 centimètres (0,005 pouces) à 0,0254 centimètres (0,010 pouces), où le sommet (50) de chacun de la pluralité des éléments interconnectés en treillis (40) est le point le plus éloigné de la balle de golf (20).

2. Balle de golf (20) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la première partie concave (54) et la seconde partie concave (58) ont chacune un rayon de courbure compris entre 0,38 centimètres et 0,51 centimètres (0,150 pouces à 0,200 pouces) et la partie convexe (56) a un rayon de courbure compris entre 0,07 centimètres et 0,09 centimètres (0,0275 pouces à 0,0350 pouces).

3. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la balle de golf (20) a un revêtement protecteur composé d'un matériau de polyuréthane thermodurci.

4. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le volume des 0,005 centimètres (0,002 pouces) les plus à l'extérieur de la balle de golf (20) est inférieur à 0,01333 centimètres cubes (0,0008134 pouces³).

5. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une des revendications 1, 2 ou 3, dans laquelle le volume des 0,0102 centimètres (0,004 pouces) les plus à l'extérieur de la balle de golf (20) est inférieur à 0,03781 centimètres cubes (0,0023074 pouces³).

6. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une des revendications 1, 2 ou 3, dans laquelle le volume des 0,0152 centimètres (0,006 pouces) les plus à l'extérieur de la balle de golf (20) est inférieur à 0,06909 centimètres cubes (0,0042164 pouces³).

7. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la balle de golf (20) est une balle de golf en trois parties ayant un coeur plein, un coeur creux ou un coeur fluide.

8. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la balle de golf (20) a un coefficient de portance supérieur à 0,18 à un nombre de Reynolds de 70 000 et 2000 rotations par minute, et un coefficient de traînée inférieur à 0,23 à un nombre de Reynolds de 180 000 et 3000 rotations par minute.

9. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la pluralité d'éléments interconnectés en treillis (40) forment une pluralité de polygones sur la balle de golf (20).

10. Balle de golf (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle une surface de la balle de golf (20) est entièrement délimitée par la pluralité d'éléments interconnectés en treillis (40) et la surface (22) de la sphère interne (21).

Drawing